According to Michael Mete, business growth and market expansion go far beyond individual contributors at this stage of the game. “The entire company needs to work cohesively on executing well-thought-out strategies to sustain long-term year-over-year growth,” he said. “Your leaders can no longer work in silos, and they need to collaborate with and support their peers in the organization, and the most challenging part is that all of that needs to happen while maintaining a culture that people want to be a part of.”
As the managing partner of PSM Partners LLC, a leading information technology services provider specializing in cloud, security, and emerging technologies, Mete’s passion for strategy and planning is one of the driving forces behind his leadership style. “Coming up with a plan, hiring teams to execute, building standard operating procedures, measuring results and refining our approach are all the things that keep me motivated,” he said. “And in doing that, I’m working side by side with my team, trying to get them to share in that enthusiasm of a shared goal.”
Since founding the company in 2014, Mete, a two-time Titan 100, has led the company to more than double its revenue, growing from $10 million to $21 million in top-line revenue over the last three years. PSM Partner’s services center around cutting-edge technologies, such as Microsoft cloud and security platforms, with an ongoing commitment to professional development. Mete encourages employees to pursue certifications in Microsoft technologies, ITIL processes, and cybersecurity best practices, with a focus on staying ahead of the curve in AI advancements.
Beyond the daily operations, Mete said he is deeply invested in the well-being of his employees and their families. “Mike is a tireless leader, always looking for ways to positively impact employees, their families, our customers, partners and the community,” said his staff. “In a word, Mike embodies ‘inclusion,’ and he has created a safe workspace where everyone feels welcomed and respected.”
Outside of the office, Mete is active in organizations like the Young Presidents Organization and the Entrepreneurial Family Business Council. He’s been involved with organizations such as CASA of McHenry County, Meals on Wheels Chicago and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Mete also prioritizes mentoring the next generation of leaders, both within his company and in his personal life, where he instills values and inspires. “He realizes that being disadvantaged as a kid motivated him to be successful, which is a very far stretch from how his children are growing up,” said his staff. “It’s paramount for Mike to instill values and inspire his children to work hard and give back to people who need it the most.”